With the installation of solar lighting recently, the once-dark Avenue and Pajulu roads in Arua City have become brighter, resolving long-standing concerns about insecurity and poor visibility from locals and merchants.
The dark streets had been a haven for criminal activity for months, with those with malicious intent using the darkness to prey on innocent bystanders. Low visibility made it difficult for riders and drivers to see, which raised safety concerns.
These worries have subsided since the beginning of January because Avenue and Pajulu roads are now lit up at night by solar lights. The project was launched in response to reports that surfaced in November 2023 about the difficulties caused by the dark streets, which have the potential to become dangerous areas.
“Whenever the lights beam at night, I feel relieved and joyous because some of the areas have been dangerous dark spots,” said Ms. Janet Ajidiru, a resident of Nsambia North in Central Division.
Locals, including Mr. Salim Anguzu of Onduparaka in the Ayivu West Division, urged for more lighting installations on Mvara-Oluko Road, Nebbi-Pakwach Highway, Onduparaka Road, and unlit areas. They also stressed the significance of preserving the already installed lights.
The initiative involved the procurement of 100 solar streetlights at a cost of Shs678 million, with each unit costing Shs6.7 million, according to Mr. Cornelius Jobile, the deputy city clerk for Arua. The project was financed by the World Bank.
The city’s security secretary, Mr. Rashid Oshino, revealed that Shs50 million had previously been set aside for streetlights in the fiscal year 2021–2022, but that money had not been used at the end of that time.
The mayor of Arua City, Mr. Sam Wadri, highlighted how solar lighting improve security by removing hiding places for thieves. He urged locals to report any instances of vandalism and emphasized how solar lights are self-sufficient because they don’t require electricity.
